Technique for adjusting the locus of excitation of electrically excitable tissue
First Claim
1. An apparatus for inducing action potentials at an adjustable locus of electrically excitable tissue of an organism, comprising in combination:
- (A) a plurality of electrodes forming an array adapted to be implanted adjacent to the tissue, the array having a first group of electrodes and a second group of electrodes, the second group of electrodes located at an outer position relative to the first group of electrodes;
(B) at least one return electrode capable of being disposed within the organism;
(C) a first set of at least one electrode of the first group of electrodes capable of being driven with a first pulse, the first pulse having a pulse parameter to generate a first subthreshold potential area in the tissue;
(D) a second set of at least one electrode of the second group of electrodes capable of being driven with a second pulse, the second pulse having a pulse parameter to generate a second subthreshold potential in the tissue;
(E) a generator configured to provide the first and second pulses between the return electrode and the first and second sets to cause a steerable electric field; and
wherein a superposition of the first subthreshold potential area with the second subthreshold potential area results in a suprathreshold potential area of the adjustable locus where the action potentials are induced.
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Abstract
The locus of electrically excitable tissue where action potentials are induced can be controlled using the physiological principle of electrotonus. In one embodiment, first and second pulses are applied to first and second electrodes, respectively, to generate first and second subthreshold potential areas, respectively, within the tissue. The locus within the tissue where action potentials are induced is determined by a superposition of the first and second subthreshold areas according to the physiological principle of electrotonus. In another embodiment, a two-dimensional array of electrodes are formed. The cathode may be positioned near the center of the two-dimensional array or may be left out. The first and second subthreshold areas may thereby be steered. An array of anodal rings may be used to contain the field of excitation.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for inducing action potentials at an adjustable locus of electrically excitable tissue of an organism, comprising in combination:
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(A) a plurality of electrodes forming an array adapted to be implanted adjacent to the tissue, the array having a first group of electrodes and a second group of electrodes, the second group of electrodes located at an outer position relative to the first group of electrodes; (B) at least one return electrode capable of being disposed within the organism; (C) a first set of at least one electrode of the first group of electrodes capable of being driven with a first pulse, the first pulse having a pulse parameter to generate a first subthreshold potential area in the tissue; (D) a second set of at least one electrode of the second group of electrodes capable of being driven with a second pulse, the second pulse having a pulse parameter to generate a second subthreshold potential in the tissue; (E) a generator configured to provide the first and second pulses between the return electrode and the first and second sets to cause a steerable electric field; and wherein a superposition of the first subthreshold potential area with the second subthreshold potential area results in a suprathreshold potential area of the adjustable locus where the action potentials are induced. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An apparatus for inducing action potentials at an adjustable locus of electrically excitable tissue of an organism, comprising in combination:
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(A) a plurality of electrodes forming a two dimensional array adapted to be implanted adjacent to the tissue, the two dimensional array having a first group of electrodes and a second group of electrodes, the second group of electrodes being located at a more lateral position relative to the first group of electrodes; (B) at least one return electrode capable of being disposed within the organism; (C) a first set of at least one electrode of the first group of electrodes capable of being driven with a first pulse, the first pulse having a pulse parameter to generate a first subthreshold potential area in the tissue; (D) a second set of at least one electrode of the second group of electrodes capable of being driven with a second pulse, the second pulse having a pulse parameter to generate a second subthreshold potential in the tissue; (E) a generator configured to provide the first and second pulses between the return electrode and the first and second sets to cause a steerable electric field; and wherein a superposition of the first subthreshold potential area with the second subthreshold potential area results in a suprathreshold potential area of the adjustable locus where the action potentials are induced. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An apparatus for inducing action potentials at an adjustable locus of electrically excitable tissue of an organism, comprising in combination:
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(A) a plurality of electrodes forming an array adapted to be implanted adjacent to the tissue, the array having a first group of electrodes and a second group of electrodes, the first group of electrodes in an inner ring formation, the second group of electrodes in an outer ring formation; (B) at least one return electrode capable of being disposed within the organism; (C) at least one electrode of the first group of electrodes capable of being driven with a first pulse, the first pulse having a first pulse width to generate a first subthreshold potential area in the tissue; (D) at least one electrode of the second group of electrodes capable of being driven with a second pulse, the second pulse having a second pulse width to generate a second subthreshold potential in the tissue; (E) a generator configured to provide the first and second pulses between the return electrode and the at least one electrode of the first group and the at least one electrode of the second group to cause a steerable electric field; and wherein a superposition of the first subthreshold potential area with the second subthreshold potential area results in a suprathreshold potential area of the adjustable locus where the action potentials are induced. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification